Extract from Thomas Jefferson to George Rogers Clark

RichmondJan. 19. 1781.

we shall divert through our own Country a branch of commerce which the European States
have thought worthy of the most important struggles and sacrifices, and in the event
of peace on terms which have been contemplated by some powers we shall form to the
American union a barrier against the dangerous extension of the British Province of
Canada and add to the Empire of liberty an extensive and fertile Country thereby converting
dangerous Enemies into valuable friends.